Today there was information that Paul's fight with Hasim Rahman Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs) canceled a week before the event. This happened due to the problems of the son of the former two-time world heavyweight champion with reaching the required weight limit. And the former two-time light heavyweight champion of the world decided that this was his chance.
“I am ready to step in and save this date,” said the winner of such opponents as Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson and Bernard Hopkins.
Interestingly, most recently, 40-year-old Dawson helped Paul prepare. The gentlemen know each other from sparring, hence Dawson's suggestion.